Sex and intimacy

Women can be affected in many different ways after their breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. The effects can be both physical and emotional. Around half of all women who have breast cancer will experience some changes in how they feel sexually or in their sex life. These can occur in the weeks and months after treatment or years later.

Talking about sex and intimacy with a partner or close friend can be difficult, let alone someone involved in your treatment. It may be the first time you’ve really thought about the issue or you may be from a background or culture in which sex and sexuality are rarely discussed.

Sexuality can also be about your sexual preference – for example, whether you are gay, straight or bisexual. Everyone is different and there’s no right or wrong way to feel about sex and your sexuality.

Not everyone will experience problems: some will feel closer to their partners because of their experience of cancer and some will find their sex life improves.

Content last reviewed April 2012; next planned review 2013